What to Do If You Throw Up After Taking the Birth Control Pill?

Duly Care
4 days ago
6 min read

The birth control pill is one of the most popular contraceptive options for women around the world. It’s easy to use, generally safe, and highly effective - but only when taken correctly. Many women know that forgetting to take a pill can reduce its effectiveness. But what about taking it and then vomiting or throwing up soon after? This is a question that makes a lot of women anxious.

It’s a valid concern, and one that surprisingly doesn’t get enough clear answers. Vomiting after taking a pill may seem like a small problem, but it can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. The purpose of this blog is to explain why this happens, what to do when it does, and how to minimise the risk of pregnancy when it occurs. It will also answer related questions to help you be more informed and prepared.

Key Takeaways:

The birth control pill is a hormonal medication taken daily to prevent an unintended pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
If you throw up within two hours of taking a birth control pill, it may not have been fully absorbed by the body and may not be fully effective.
Take another pill as soon as you can if you threw up within the first two hours. Follow the instructions given on the pill pack for the next steps.

What is the Birth Control Pill?

Birth control pill, also known as oral contraceptive pill, is a hormonal medication taken daily to prevent an unintended pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There are two main types of birth control pills - combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), which contain both estrogen and progestin (the synthetic form of progesterone), and progestin-only pills (POPs), which contain only progestin. COCPs are the most commonly used type of birth control pill, whereas POPs are usually recommended for women who cannot take estrogen due to medical reasons.

The birth control pill is over 99% effective when taken correctly and consistently. For the pill to work well, the body needs to absorb the hormones contained in the pill after it is swallowed. Once swallowed, the pill travels to the stomach, then to the intestines, where it begins to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This absorption is essential — without it, the pill cannot work effectively to prevent pregnancy. Usually, the absorption process begins within 30 minutes and is mostly complete within 1 to 2 hours after it is swallowed.

Will the Birth Control Pill Still Work If I Throw Up After Taking It?

Whether the birth control pill will be effective if you threw up after taking it depends entirely on when you vomited and what kind of pill you are on. That is why the timing of vomiting - whether it happens before or after your body has absorbed the hormones - becomes very important.

If you throw up within two hours after taking the pill, there is a good chance that your body did not fully absorb the hormones. In that case, the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced, especially if you’re not able to replace the missed dose in time. Throwing up early after taking the pill is similar to missing a dose.

If you vomit more than two hours after taking the pill, your body has likely already absorbed the hormones in the pill. In this case, the pill is likely to still work as intended. You do not need to take another pill or change anything in your pill routine.

The type of pill you take also matters. Progestin-only pills (POPs) are very sensitive to timing, so vomiting even a few hours after taking one can reduce their effectiveness, and using backup contraception is recommended until you’ve taken the pill correctly for at least 48 hours without being sick. Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) have a slightly wider margin, so a single episode of vomiting usually won’t affect protection, but repeated vomiting can make them unreliable.

That’s why understanding timing - not just whether you vomited, but when - is key in deciding what to do next.

What to Do If You Vomit After Taking the Pill

If you vomit within two hours of taking your birth control pill, you should act quickly. The best course of action is to take another pill as soon as you can. This will replace the one that didn’t get fully absorbed. Ideally, you should keep a spare pack on hand for moments like this. If you don’t have another pill, continue taking the rest of the pack on schedule, but use a backup method of contraception like condoms for at least 7 days if you're on a combined pill, or for 48 hours if you're on a progestin-only pill.

If you have repeated vomiting, your body may not fully absorb the birth control pills, and in this situation, it’s usually treated the same way as a missed pill. The general medical recommendation is to continue taking your pills as scheduled and follow the missed pill guidance for your specific pill type (combined or progestin-only). Backup contraception, such as condoms, is advised if you have missed more than one pill, if vomiting continues for over 24 hours, or if you are taking progestin-only pills where even short delays can affect effectiveness. If you’ve had unprotected sex during this time and are concerned about reduced protection, emergency contraception may also be considered.

If vomiting becomes a frequent issue for you, especially if it always happens shortly after taking the pill, it’s worth speaking to a doctor. They may suggest switching to a different brand or type of contraception altogether. Other methods, like the contraceptive patch, intrauterine device (IUD), or injection, may be a better fit if your body struggles with keeping pills down.

Conclusion

Vomiting soon after taking the birth control pill can be frustrating and worrying, especially if you're not sure whether you're still protected. But understanding the timing - and knowing what to do - can help you stay in control. A little knowledge and a backup plan go a long way in using the effectively and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if I have diarrhoea after taking the birth control pill?
If you have mild diarrhoea (loose or watery stools just once or twice), the pill will most likely still work. But if you have severe diarrhoea that lasts more than 24 hours, your body might not absorb the pill properly. In that case, it’s best to use a backup method like condoms until you’ve been better for 48 hours.
How can I avoid throwing up after taking the pill?
Some women feel sick after taking the birth control pill, especially on an empty stomach. You can try taking the pill after a meal, drinking water with it, and staying upright for about 30 minutes afterwards. If you often feel nauseous or vomit after taking the pill, talk to your doctor - they might suggest a different pill or another form of birth control that doesn’t upset your stomach.
Can I still get pregnant if I vomit after taking the pill?
If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill and don’t take another one, the effectiveness of the pill can be reduced. This is because your body may not have had time to absorb the hormones in the pill. But if you vomit more than two hours later, the pill has likely been absorbed and may still be effective.
Do I need to go to a doctor if I vomit after taking the birth control pill?
You don’t need to see a doctor every time you vomit, especially if you’re able to take another pill and feel fine afterwards. But if you keep throwing up or feel sick often after taking the pill, you should speak to your doctor. They can help you find a method of birth control that suits your body better.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.